CEM REPORT, TECHNOLOGY | The federal government has reiterated its commitment to building a digital economy with adequate provision for data security and protection.
This is as the government warms against indiscriminate posting on social media that may expose personal data.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, commented during a meeting with Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in Abuja.
According to him, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration is interested in the power of the digital economy. However, he reserved that priority must be placed on data security and protection.
While calling on support to achieve a digital economy inclusive of data security and protection he emphasized that data privacy and protection conversation should go beyond technicalities.
“The digital economy is an era of growth and innovation that requires us to nurture it. The president is interested in the power of the digital economy and as we encourage the development of innovative technology, we should also prioritize the implementation of stronger data security and protection as well.
“I want to emphasize that data privacy and protection conversation should go beyond technicalities, they should become values that we all hold and uphold strongly.
“As we build an inclusive and prosperous digital future by fostering a collective culture of responsible data handling, we can ensure our citizens’ personal information is managed responsibly and secured.
“As a minister, I am personally committed to this and I ask that you all join us to work towards Nigeria where everyone’s data is protected and secured.”
Tijani continued that as more Nigerians embrace the digital age, their personal and sensitive information must be maintained under the eyes of confidentiality.
Warning on the release of data and what is being used for, the minister stressed that data privacy is not just a matter of convenience, but a fundamental human right, which everyone should be watchful about how they release their data and what is being used for.
He further reiterated the commitment of the government to ensuring the protection of personal data of every Nigerian as they onboard digital platforms
“As we mainstream the use of technology, not everyone in our society knows how to manage their data, people are coming on social media more and sharing indiscriminate messages on social media, which shouldn’t be. We will continue to push and enlighten our citizens to protect their data and we also ask you the DPOs to join us on this journey to protect the data of our citizens,” he said.
Tijani noted that it is not the responsibility of the government alone to protect the data of Nigerians, adding that everyone has a duty to ensure that people around them understand the value of their data and how they can protect themselves.
He added that the government is working with stakeholders including the national assembly to enact robust data Protection laws that are aligned with international standards.
